Maximise your tax free returns by investing on Good Friday

Leeds Building Society is believed to be the only financial service provider in the UK to open its branches on Good Friday (6th April), the first day of the new tax year.

As a result, customers will be able to maximise the amount of tax-free interest they will earn and utilise their 2007/2008 tax-free allowance by opening a new ISA, or topping up their existing ISA.

Kim Rebecchi, General Manager Sales said, "This year, the start of the tax year falls on a Bank Holiday, which means that many ISA account holders will not be able to invest their 2007/2008 tax-free allocation until Tuesday 10th April. We felt it was important to give customers the opportunity to maximise their interest by opening on the first day of the tax year, which happens to be Good Friday."

Leeds Building Society offers a range of fixed rate tax-free ISA products, for 1,2 or 3 years. All the accounts offer a guaranteed excellent rate of return and the peace of mind afforded by access to a portion of the initial capital invested, without notice or penalty at any time. The 1-Year ISA pays 5.60%, the 2-Year version returns 5.70% and the 3-Year 5.85%.

Kim continued "This product range offers a guaranteed high interest rate combined with access to funds. The minimum investment is also only £1, making it available to all investors. All three versions are straightforward accounts with no short-term headline bonus rates, other catches or requirements to open linked accounts.

"The products accept transfers in from other providers. Many ISA holders, who have paid in the maximum £3,000 allocation each year since launch, have a capital balance of £24,000 plus interest. These funds are often in accounts earning much less than is now available and without any rate guarantee. Therefore, investors would see their earnings increase substantially by transferring to our product range.

"We all lead very busy lives these days. Therefore, we will also be offering a full range of services including mortgage advice and financial planning and we hope that by opening on Good Friday we will provide our customers with even greater convenience" .

The Society is also giving a free Easter Egg to every customer who opens or tops up an ISA on Good Friday and will donate £1 to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Great Daffodil Appeal.